haggis Posted July 24, 2012 Report Share Posted July 24, 2012 I use Avon Skin So Soft, woodland fresh flavour but I find that I have to put it on BEFORE encountering midges or it is not nearly so effective. haggis Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JerryP Posted July 24, 2012 Report Share Posted July 24, 2012 This recipe was given to me by another boater ,mix all 3 ingredients together into a spray bottle ,it is a bit sticky when first applied but quickly absorbed by the skin. 1 part citronella oil (i got mine from eBay ) 1 part baby oil 1 part dettol antiseptic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PiRSqwared Posted July 24, 2012 Report Share Posted July 24, 2012 (edited) On a trip to the Highlands a froemd had one of those hats with a drop down mosi net. Unfortunately the holes weren't small enoigh and she had her own personal colony of midges. Edited July 24, 2012 by PiRSqwared Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LoneEcho Posted July 24, 2012 Report Share Posted July 24, 2012 I have found the best insect repellent brand is jungle formula. They do a roll-on that last for ages and does not contain DEET, but is still very effective. I have used products that contain DEET in countries where malaria is present, because it is the most effective repellent, but over here would avoid using DEET as it can be nasty stuff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zayna Posted July 24, 2012 Report Share Posted July 24, 2012 We make our own fly repellant spray for our horses, it includes Skin So Soft, white vinegar, citronella oil, eucalyptus oil, lavender oil and tea tree oil, and a cap of Dettol all mixed up with a pint of cold tea (no milk or sugar!), and a drop of fairy liquid to emulsify the oils. I dare say you could adapt this recipe and leave out the tea as it would stain clothing, and just use a drop or two of the essential oils in the Skin So Soft or just plain water/white vinegar...? We make up a big 2-litre bottle and decant it into a spray bottle. Stinks, but helps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maty Posted July 24, 2012 Report Share Posted July 24, 2012 discovered these , when i lived on the banks of the Mekong river , lots of nastys there , they last for hours http://www.safariquip.co.uk/all-categories/insect-protection/insect-repellent/mosquito-coils/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maty Posted July 24, 2012 Report Share Posted July 24, 2012 also , tiger balm , on the ankles Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JerryP Posted July 26, 2012 Report Share Posted July 26, 2012 This works: Avon Skin so Soft Dry Oil Spray Soft and Fresh I don't suppose any of the Coal boats have an "Avon lady" onboard do they ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canal Rat Posted August 2, 2012 Author Report Share Posted August 2, 2012 Thanx for all the interesting replies. I just found my electric fly swatter. Good for house flys but not sure if it will be any good for midge size flys. I like the lazer idea so I need to go and get some more leisure battries ..... Cheers all Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil Ambrose Posted August 2, 2012 Report Share Posted August 2, 2012 My other half has a severe reaction to insect bites and has found taking vitamin B12 reduces his reaction- you need to take it daily and a decent strength tablet. One other thing which doesnt stop you being bitten but does reduce swelling and itchiness of bites is Tiger balm- a very strong menthol ointment- He's used it in Asia several times and it does reduce the swelling and itchiness Agree, B12 tablets came recommended by a Chemist I knew down on the Broads. Even my mate who was an eel catcher and out first and last thing during the day used them. Prior to this he used to look like one big spot. The tablets cause your pores to exude an odour that though undetectable to humans is obnoxioue to biting insects. Phil Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlueStringPudding Posted August 2, 2012 Report Share Posted August 2, 2012 Hmm... I take Berocca every day which has a squillion percent of your daily B vitamins. I still look like a half eaten corn on the cob once the midgies have gotten to me. I heard the same thing s about eating Marmite (again its high in B fits I suppose) and I eat tonnes f the stuff.... I think this is all a rouse to get me even more chomped by midgies, so that they bipass you lot and come for me instead! I got MB one of those bug zapping tennis bats last week. Currently only £3.99 in Aldi. I got two! They're great. Burning mozzies smell a bit though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steven wilkinson Posted August 2, 2012 Report Share Posted August 2, 2012 OK - here's the plan! Me and BSP will take the midgie bites for the team! Sounds like we both get eaten alive! So! We will go out and draw their fire. Then everyone else can pay us a nominal sum for the distraction we will provide! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlueStringPudding Posted August 2, 2012 Report Share Posted August 2, 2012 OK - here's the plan! Me and BSP will take the midgie bites for the team! Sounds like we both get eaten alive! So! We will go out and draw their fire. Then everyone else can pay us a nominal sum for the distraction we will provide! Anyone? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bowten Posted August 2, 2012 Report Share Posted August 2, 2012 Bizzard? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Filligree Fairy Posted August 17, 2012 Report Share Posted August 17, 2012 A friend of mine swears by a combination of lemonbalm and lavender oil - she's put it in soap, moisturiser, and as an oil for normal use. two weeks on the rivers, she didn't get bitten once, which is quite the achievement considering she's usually and insect snack of choice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zayna Posted August 17, 2012 Report Share Posted August 17, 2012 Ooo, I have a lemonbalm plant in my garden. I wonder if you had a couple of plantpots of it on your boat, it might keep them at bay? It grows huge in the garden but probably wouldn't in a pot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zayna Posted August 17, 2012 Report Share Posted August 17, 2012 I just googled lemon balm, check this out: "Lemon Balm’s anti-histamine action is useful to treat eczema and headaches and accounts for the centuries old tradition of placing the fresh leaf on insect bites and wounds. A fomentation of Lemon Balm may also help reduce the swelling associated with gout." That's me gout fixed then. Red wine back on the menu from tonight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lurch Posted August 25, 2012 Report Share Posted August 25, 2012 Drink plenty of Gin and tonic You may feel depressed but it wont be because of biting insects I think its the quinine in the tonic they dont like. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Featured Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now